Junior Doctors: Training

Norman Lamb
To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the additional interviews arranged for junior hospital doctor training posts will be completed; whether the interview timetable is likely to take longer than originally planned; and what the estimated cost is of the additional interviews arranged.

Ms Rosie Winterton
Offers will be made to successful candidates on a phased basis as interviews for each specialty are completed. Subject to the outcome of the current judicial review, the first offers for hospital specialities in England will be made on or after 21 May 2007, with all initial offers made by early June. This process of making offers will continue until late June 2007, at which time round one will close, ensuring that candidates and employers have time to prepare for appointments commencing on 1 August 2007. A complete estimate of the costs of the additional interviews has not been made.